Shoe heel feeding mechanism



Ami W, 1951 J. P. QUIRK ETAL SHOE HEEL FEEDING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 14, 1948 Q nfll llllol FIG.4

INVENTORS JUSTIN P. QUIRK LUDWIG G. P. HAFNER ATTORNEY Aprifi 1951 J. P. QUIRK ETAL SHOE HEEL FEEDING MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 14, 1948 FIG.6

INVENTORSI JUSTIN P. QUIRK LUDWIG G. P. HAFNER FIG. 7

ATTORNEY April 1951 J. P. QUIRK ET AL 2,548,321

SHOE HEEL FEEDING MECHANISM Filed April 14, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 8

FIG. ll

fl? I w w INVENTORS JUSTIN P. QUIRK LUDWIG GP. HAFNER ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 10, 1951 SHOE HEEL FEEDING MECHANISM Justin I. Quirk, St. Louis County, and Ludwig G. P. Hafner, St. Louis, Mo., assignors, by mesne assignments, to Quirk Machinery Company, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Delaware Application April 14, 1948, Serial No. 21,084

22 Claims.

This invention relates to a feeding mechanism for shoe heel machines.

In the art of making wooden shoe heels, the heel is first turned from a wooden blank which is jacked upon a rotatable spindle, the heel blank being moved into the path of a rotating cutter with relative complex motions to give the heel its desired shape. Thereafter, depending upon the machine used, the turned heel may be finished in a sanding machine which is similar to the turning machine with the exception that the turned heel is moved into the path of a moving sander. Heretofore the wooden blank or the turned heel, as the case may be, has been fed into the machine by a manual operation which is both time consuming, costly, hazardous, and sometimes inaccurate.

By means embodying-the instant invention, the function of feeding the heel blank, or the turned heel, is accomplished automatically by mechanism briefly described as follows. A series of compressed air lines and air valves are connected and interconnected with a plurality of air cylinders and pistons to operate a jack by means of which the heel blank or heel is held in place on its rotating spindle; the engagement and disengagement of a clutch through which the spindle is rotated, the operation of a feeding mechanism which carries the heel blank, or heel, from a continuous supply source onto the jack, and an air ejector for removing the heel from the jack.

A master cam is mounted on the rotating spindle of the machine which is arranged for free movement thereon. This master cam is provided with two cam elements and a ratchet wheel segment by means of which latter element the master cam is turned on the spindle. An air valve which controls the supply of air to an air cylinder foroperating the heel jack is controlled by a firstof these cams. Similarly, the second cam operates a second air valve through which is controlled the supply of air to an air cylinder for operating the clutch. A third cam mounted on the spindle independently of the master cam operates an air valve which supplies compressed air to an ejector nozzle located in proximity to the jacked heel blank or heel.

Further, an air valve operated by the clutch operating mechanism, aforesaid, is provided to control the supply of air to an air cylinder which moves a pair of cam operated fingers in a manner such as to clamp a heel blank, or heel, and move the same onto the heel jack. Similarly, a trigger operated air valve mounted on the'feeding mechanism, per se, is controlled bythe movement thereof to admit air into an air cylinder and move a piston operated ratchet pawl against the ratchet wheel segment carried on the master cam to move the same about the spindle.

Through the operation of these mechanisms, in timed sequence, a heel blank or a heel, which has just about-completed its rotative cycle on the spindle, is operated on in the following manner. Just prior to the completion of a single revolution of the jack spindle, the jack is operated to release its clamping action on the heel blank,'or heel. Thereafter, air is released from the ejector nozzle to eject the heel. Next, the clutch operating mechanism is activated to disengage the clutch and the jack spindle is stopped. Thereafter, air is admitted to the piston controlling the feeding mechanism, per se, which moves a heel blank, or heel, onto the jack, which is shortly thereafter moved to clamp the blank or heel therein. Operation of the feeding mechanism,

movement of the master cam operates the jackto clamp the heel or blank and also the clutch shifter to engage the clutch and start rotative movement of the jack spindle, thus completing the cycle. Previously to the'engaging movement 7 of the clutch operating mechanism a valve is opened to bleed air from the feeding mechanism cylinder and permit the return of the fingers to their normal starting position.

It may be stated, therefore, that the general object of the instant invention'is to provide-a mechanism for feeding a shoe heel, or shoe heel blank, into a shoe heel machine which is en tirely automatic in its operation, is adjustable/is simple in construction, economical to manufacture, operate and maintain, and one which is positive in its action to the extent that waste is reduced to a minimum.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the specification proceeds, and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention will'be afforded from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a feeding mechanism for a shoe heel machine embodying the instant invention, with feeder unit, per se, disposed from its normal position; r r

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are top, front andend views, respectively, of aclutch operating mechanism forming a part of said feedingmechanism;

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are front, end and-top views,

3 respectively, of an air operated jack forming a part of said feeding mechanism;

Figs. 8 and 9 are top and side views, respectively, of the mechanisms shoe heel feeding unit, per se;

Fig. 10 is a front View of the mechanisms master cam showing the same mounted "for rotation on the machines jack spindle, and illustrating the mounting of its cam controlled air valves;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the master cams ratchet wheel segment and the ratchet operating mechanism which effect a movement of the master cam about the machines jack spindle; and

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the machines jack operating cam together with the air valve "controlled thereby for supplying air to 'the jack cylinder.

As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1, the feeding mechanism, embodying the instant invention, i applied to a shoe heel machine, which may take the form of that illustrated and described in Patent No. 2,488,100; issued November 15, 1949, to Justin P. Quirk and Ludwig G. P. I-Iafner, for Shoe Heel Turning Machine, and which includes a jack seat 2| mounted for rotation upon a jack spindle 22 driven by a motor 23. In such a machine a heel blank 24 is clamped on the jack seat 2|, and, while rotated on the seat, is moved with complex movements against a tool such as a rotating cutter (not shown).

As pertains to the instant invention, the machine described in the aforementioned patent application, is modified to the extent of the in clusion of a clutch 25 through which rotation of the jack spindle 22 and the jack seat 2! by the motor 23 is controlled. V

The principal component parts of the pneuinatic feeding mechanism forming the subject matter of this invention, are a clutch operating mechanism 26, a pneumatic jack operating mechanism 21, a shoe heel feeding unit, 'per se, 28 and a control assembly cam 29. These various component parts of the composite shoe heel feeding mechanism will be described in the order named.

With reference to Figs. 2-4, inclusive, the-clutch operating mechanism 26 includes a pair of fingers 3| whichare mounted'on a shaft 32 to 'be moved against a clutch disc 33 (Fig. l) which, in turn, is moved against a continuously moving clutch element 34 to engage the clutch 25. The shaft 32, which moves the fingers 31, is attached to a clutch operating arm 35 and is supported for pivotal movement in a bracket 36. The arm 35 is biased by a spring 31 against a plunger 38 which has attached thereto a piston (not shown) contained for reciprocal movement in an air cylinder 39. The action of the spring 31 is such as, to pivot the arm 35 to rotate the shaft 32 and move the fingers 3! to disengage the clutch 25. When air is acting in the cylinder 39,.the plunger 38 is moved against the arm '35'to pivot the same against "the action of the spring '31 and engage the clutch. 7

As an adjunct to'the clutch operating mechanism 26, a leaf spring is attached to the end of the arm 35 to be moved against a plunger 42 for operating a three-way air valve 43 secured to a base plate 44 as is the air cylinder 39 and associated elements. The function of the air valve 43 will be described later. However, it is to be pointed out that this valve is provided with an inlet 43a, an outlet 43b and a 'bleeder port 43c, the latter being open to atmospheric pressure.

4 l The inlet 43a is connected by a suitable line to a compressed air manifold (not shown).

The pneumatic jack operating mechanism 21 is illustrated in Figs. 5-7, inclusive. It includes an air cylinder 45 in which a spring loaded piston (not shown) is operative to move a plunger 46 connected at one end to a pivotal link 41. The other end of the pivotal link 41 carries a pin 48 which is movable against a vertically movable arm 49 supporting a pin 5! bearing therein, as shown, for rotation. The arm 49 is vertically movable in the slides 52 against the forces of a compression spring '53 which acts to raise the arm 49 and the pin 5! for returning the arm 49 toits openposition.

'The pin 51 is provided with a beveled, serrated surface 54 which engages the top bevel of a heel, or blank, to clamp the same onto the jack seat 2|. Inasmuch as it is required that this beveled surface be positioned at the end of each cycle of its turning movement so as to be aligned with a beveled surface 55 of the heel 26 (Fig. 1), provision is made to rotate the pin 5| to such normal position immediately upon the release of a heel from the jack. This mechanism comprises a tension spring 56 (Fig. '7) which is fixed at one end to the arm as by a pin 57 and which is attached at its other end to an "oh-center pin 58 mounted on the rotatable nut which holds the pin 5! in its bearings.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is required that the vertically movable elements of the jack must be provided with means for adjusting their positions relative to the jack seat to accommodate the jack for heels 'of different heights. Thus, it is required that the amount of clamping pressure applied by the pneumatically powered jack be the same for each heel and that any adjustment which is made to the jack must take'this requirement into consideration. It is further imposed that any adjustment made to the jack be efiected easily and quickly.

Accordingly, the air cylinder 45 is mountedon a base 59 attached to a slide 6 I, which is threaded to receive an adjustmentscrewfl turned by a knob 63, as shown in Fig. 5. With this arrangementof the parts, and by turning the adjustment knob 63, the pin 5! may be raised or lowered relative to the jack seatzl (Fig. 1) to accommodate for heels of different heights. Simultaneously with the movement of the base 59,- which provides for such adjustment, the arm 49 is moved proportionately by means of two pins 65 fastened into the base 5Q, through the spring 53 acting against two pins 55 fastened to the arm 69 and, accordingly, the amount of pressure applied by the air cylinder 45 and its associated mechanisms to the pin 5! in clamping a heel between its surface 54 and the jack seat 2| 3' mains constant and unafiected. W 1

The heel feeding unit, per se, 28 is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 and the same will be described now in detail. A base 67 is provided for the'heel feeding unit, which base is rigidly attached to a portion of the shoe heel machine. Upon this base is mounted, by means of a covering bracket 68, a prepositioning platform 68'. Carried beneath the cover plate 68 are two pivoted clamping members 69 and H. These members are so arranged that they slide between the base 61 and the cover plate 68 with reciprocal movement, that movement being imparted by means offa plunger 12 connected to a piston (not shown) acting within an air cylinder lS. Attached to a movable plate 14', upon which the members 69 and II are pivoted, respectively, at the points I5 and I6, are two tension springs TI and I8. These springs are operative to bias the clamping members 69 and II rearwardly as viewed in Fig. 8 against forces developed in the air cylinder 13, which forces are operative to move the plate I4 and the members 69 and ll forwardly to place a heel blank on the jack seat 2I.

Two springs 19 and 8| are mounted as shown in Fig. 8 which pivot the clamping members 69 and II about their respective pivot points I5 and 16 to move a clamping jaw 82, mounted on the member 69, and a clamping jaw 83 mounted on the member II, into the heel blank to hold the same tightly when it is carried forward to the jack seat 2I by the forward movement of the members 69 and 1|.

As the clamping members 69 and II are returned from their furthermost forward position under the action of the springs TI and I8, it is required that the clamping jaws 82 and 83 carried thereon be moved outwardly to clamp the next heel blank which is to be placed on the jack 2|. To perform this function, a pair of upright cams 84 and 85 are secured to the base 8'! as shown, and against these cams are moved, respectively, a cam follower 86'and a cam follower 81 secured, respectively, to the ends of the members 69 and II. The cam followers 86 and 8! are springbia'sed to a normal position and are secured to their respective members to rotate about a pin 88 and a pin 89, respectively. When the members 69 and II are moved rearwardly under the action of the springs TI and I8, the bevelled cam faces SI and 92 of the cam followers 86 and 81, respectively, are held in position as shown in Fig. 8 by two stops 93 and 94. These stops are secured, respectively, to the members 69 and II. Accordingly, the cam faces 9| and 92 are presented to the cam faces of the cams and 85 to pivot the members 69 and 'II about their pivot points I5 and 16 to open the jaws 82 and 83 for a period of time equivalent to that consumed by the travel of the cam followers 86 and 81 along the cams 84 and 85, respectively. After the cams are passed, the jaws 82 and 83 are returned to a clamping position to secure the next heel fed onto the prepositioning platform 68, as shown in Fig. 9. On the forward stroke of the members 69 and "I I, the cam followers 86 and 81 pivot about their respective points 88 and 89 and are, therefore, positioned to pass the cams 84 and 85 without effecting any pivotal movement whatsoever to the members 69 and II.

As illustrated in Fig. 9, the prepositioning platform 68 is provided at one end with a spring biased stop member 96 which is depressed out of the Way when a heel is carried forwardly thereover, but which is positioned to arrest the movement of a heel in proper position on the platform 68 for clamping by the jaws 82 and 83. It is to be pointed out that no provision is made for the opening of the jaws 62 and 83 at the furthermost point of the delivery stroke. These jaws may take the form of knife edges and, accordingly, it is not required that they be opened prior to the return stroke of the members 69 and 'II since they slide along the outer surfaces of the heel blank in which they are engaged to free themselves from the same.

The control of the clutch operating mechanism 26 and the jack operating mechanism 21 is effected by the master cam which is mounted on the jack spindle 22 and shown in detail in Fig. 10. The master cam 9'I comprises a sleeve-like ele- 6 ment on which a clutch operating cam 98 and a jack operating cam 99 are formed, the latter cam being more particularly illustrated in Fig. 12. This sleeve-like element also carries a ratchet wheel segment IOI as a part of the master cam. The master cam 91 is mounted for restricted movement on the jack spindle 22, the same being free to turn thereabout for a partial revolution, measured by an angular distance through which a lug I02 secured to the jack spindle 22 will move in a slot or window I03 in the sleeve portion of the master cam. As thus arranged, a counterclockwise movement of the jack spindle 22 moves the lug I02 against an end I04 of the slot I03 and turns the said master cam .91 with the spindle until the latter is stopped: From this point, the master cam is free to be turned about the spindle 22 for a measured distancein a counterclockwise direction whichwill bring an end I05 of the slot I03 against the lug I02. The purpose of this movement and the means by, which it is effected will be described in greater detail later.

Another cam I06, which controls the flow of air to an ejector nozzle I0"! (Fig. 1), is also mounted for rotation on the jack spindle 22/ This cam has formed thereon a cam segment I08 which is moved against a plunger I09 of two-way air valve III. to feed compressed air through a line II2 (Fig. 1) to the ejector nozzle I01, aforesaid, the valve III being adapted to receive compressed air through a line I I0 connecting with the manifold previously mentioned.v

In a similar manner, the cam 98 of the master cam 91 is moved against a plunger II3 (Fig. 10) of a three-way air valve II4 which controls the flow of air through a line II5 (Fig. 1) to the air cylinder 39 of the clutch operating mechanism 26. Here also, the valve II4, which is supplied compressed air from a manifold through a line 5a, is provided with a bleeder port Il4a open to atmospheric pressure.

As viewed in Fig. 12, the cam 99 has a depression I I6 in the face thereof into which a cam follower I Il may fall as shown in the figure. A cam face H8 is provided against which the cam follower II'I rides to move an arm 121 against a plunger E22 of a normally closed three-way air valve I23 to maintain the same in an open position and operate the jack into its clamping position. When the cam follower Ill falls into the depression II6, the valve closes and the jack is opened. The valve I23, through a line I24 (Fig. 1), supplies compressed air to the cylinder 45 of the jack operating mechanism 21, which it receives from a manifold through a line I24a (Fig. 12). A bleeder port I23a is opened to atmospheric pressure to bleed the line I24 and the air cylinder 45 when the valve is closed.

For moving the master cam 9'5 on the jack spindle 22, as above described, an air powered ratchet mechanism I25 (Figs. 10 and 11) is provided, which is under the control of a three-way air valve I26 operated by the heel feeding unit, per se, 28. The air valve (Fig. 9) is secured to the underside of the base 6? of the unit 28 and has as a part thereof a pivoted trigger I21 (Fig. '9) which has an extension I28 engaging in a slot I29 in the plunger I2. The air valve I26, which is normally closed, is situated to be operated by the plunger 12 of the feeding unit 28 when thesame is carried forward to the end of its feeding stroke. open the air valve I26 and supply air received from a compressed air manifold through a line; I30 (Fig. 1) to the air powered ratchet meclna-- This action trips the trigger I21 to the same about its pivot point I36 andintoen igag ement with the teeth of thefratchet wheel segment IjflI. Movement of the plunger I33c ar- 'riesthe ratchet pawl I34 "iorwardgturning the master cam 9'l'on' the jack spindle 22.

Operation "For'th'e 'purposeof describing the "operation of the feeding mechanism it will be assumed that Ia supply of heel'blahks are fed by a suitable con- 1 veyor'tsl (Fig. 9) to the feedingunechanism 28. It will be assumed further that the cycle of operation for descriptive purposes will start at the point where the feeder unit 28 isat'the end of itsiull stroke as shown in Fig. 9 to'deliver a'heel blank A onto'the heel jack 2 I.

At this point the slot I29 in the plunger I2 engages the trigger I2'I which opens the'normaliy closed air valve I26 to admit air through the line I3I to the air powered ratchet mechanism 125.

Thereupon, the ratchet pawl I38 is carried for- Ward to engage the ratchet wheel "segment Mil of the master cam Ql'and move the same from its position shown in Fig. 10 to a point where the end I55 of the slot I63'lS'll'i0V8d against'the lug I02. This action, that is'the rotative movement of the master cam 91, causes movement in a counterclockwise direction of the oam98 which moves the same to open the normally closediair valve I23 and admit compressed'air throughthe line I24 to the air cylinder 45 of the jack'operating mechanism 27. This clamps the delivered heel A between the surface 54 of the pin 55 and the heel jack seat 2i. Also, valve H4, which is :normally open, but which is now closed, is opened by the rotation of the cam 98 whereby admitting air to the air cylinder 39 of the clutch operating mechanism 26. Upon this action the clutch operating arm 35 is moved by the plunger 38 to engage the clutch 25. Prior to the engagement of the clutch, however, the movement of the arm 35 under the action of the plunger 38 is such as to move the leaf spring M away from the plunger 42 of the air valve 53 and thevalve closes releasing air through the bleeder'port 430 from the feeder mechanism cylinder 13. This permits the feeding members 69 and II to return totheir normal position under the action of the springs 11 and I8 before the clutch 25 is engaged. The initial return movement of the plunger I2 permits the valve I26 to close and bleed the cylinder I32 through the bleeder port [2%, permitting the return movement of the ratchet pawl I 34.

Approximately 45 degrees before the end of one full revolution of the spindle 22, the master cam efiects the closing of the air valve I23 which bleeds through its port I23a the jack operating mechanism, and opens the jaclg to release the heel. The opening of the jack is followed by an opening of the valve III by means of the cam I 86, which releases a blast of air from the ejector nozzle Ill! to thereby ejectthe heel A. Uponcompletion of the turn, the air valve II4 is closed to release air through its bleeder port I Hlalfrom the cyl d w re 1 pri T[.mQY h arm 35 rearwardly to disengage the clutch. As

, 8 the jr at *orthe cliitch ope rating "mechahism continues its j rearward movement after the disengagenient of the clutch 25 to stop rotation-of the jackspindle 22', the air valve 43, which is normally clost-id, is opened'to admit air'through the line I38 to the feeder operating mechanism air cylinder I3. This causes the'feeding membersfiili andfH to move forward and carry asecond hee1 blanlriB (Fig. 9) onto the jack seat 2I, arid the cycleof operation is repeated. I I Various changes may be made inthe details of construction, within the scope of the appended claims, withoutdeparting from the spirit of this 'invention. Parts of theinvention may be usedfvvithoutthe whole and improvementsfmay beadde'dwh'ile' retaining'som'e or all of-the advantages of the invention.

What is claimedis; H p p j 1. In a feeding mechanism for a shoe heelnia ifhihe having a jack seat mounted for rotation' on a rotatablespindle' and a motor for driving said spindle through a clutch, the combination comprising a clutch operating mechanism, an air "cylinder and a piston for moving said'clutch operating mechanism to engage and disengage said clutch, a jack clamp movable relative to said seat to clamp a heel therebetween, an air cylinder and piston for moving said jack clamp, an ejector nozzle: adapted to exhaust an air jet againsta heel released from said jack clamp and seat,a foam operated heel ieedercl'amp adaptedto grasp a heel, a feeder cylinder and piston adapted to operate said hee1 feeder clamp to move a heel onto said jack seat, a master cam.mount'ed on '5 said jack spindle ior'restrict'ed free movement "thereahout and to be turned by said'spindle, first arid second cams and a ratchet wheelsegment formed on saidmaster cam, first and second "air valves operated by said first andfsec'ond cams'to control a flow of compressed air through'suitable connective lines to said jack operating cylinder and to said clutch operating cyli'n'denfa third cam noumed on said'spindle, a third air valve operated byjsaidfth'ird cam to controlairto'said ejector name, an air cylinder and piston for mo v 'hjg arat'chet pawl against said ratchet wheel segment on said master cam to turn the latter'on said jack spindle, an air valve operated byfmovementbfisaid feeder piston to control'th'e fiowfof c'oinpies'sda'ir to said ratchet operating cylinder,

and an air valveopera'ted by said 'clutohoperating mechanism to control the flow of compressed air 'into s'aid f eeder cylinder. 7 H 4 2. In' a ieeding' mechanism for a 'shoeheel'ir'xiachine having'a spindle mounted heel 'jackfand a motor for 'rotat'ing said jack and said spindle through a clutch, the combination comprising a'n'air powered jack operating iniechanisz'n, an "air pt eied clutch operating mechanism for engaging and disengaging said clutch, an air poweredheel ieeding'u'nit adapted to move "a heel blank into position for clamping in said'jackfan 'air jectorhozzle situated'with'respect "to said Jae toeject a'heelrele'ajsed frorn'sa'id jack by an air 'jet, a camas's'emhly carried on said spindle comprisihg' a master cam mounted on said's pih'dl'e to turn therewith and to be'moved thereabout fwith are'sitricted free movement and an'indep endently mounted cam, an'a ir powered recipro eating device for imparting restricted 'rnovernent to s afid inaster cam 'toturii the "same on said spindlaa plurality ofair valves operated by Said mastereaiaasa said independently mounted cam new :of coinpres'sed air eme: source through suitable connecting lines 4 to said an;

operating mechanism, said clutch operating mechanism and said ejector nozzle, an air valve controlled by the movement of said heel feeding unit to control the flow of air to said reciprocating device, and an air valve operated by said operated by said master cam adapted to control the fiow of compressed air to said jack and said clutch operating mechanisms, and a pneumatic ratchet under the control of an air valve operated by said heel feeding unit adapted to turn said master cam through a partial revolution to initiate movement of said clutch operating mech anism and said jack operating mechanism Whereby said jack and said jack spindle are placed in rotation through the engagement of said clutch after a period of rest during which a heel is clamped in said jack.

4. In a shoe heel machine having a jack seat, the combination of an air operated jack clamp comprising a pin for engaging the end of a heel blank, an arm mounting said pin arranged for movement relative to said jack seat, a pivotal link for moving said arm relative to said seat, an air piston connected at one end to said link and retained in an aircylinder for reciprocating movement therein, and a'screw for adjusting the relative position of said arm, said link, said piston and said air cylinder with respect to said jack seat whereby said jack seat and clamp may be accommodated to receive heels of difierent heights without affecting the magnitude of clamping pressure transmitted through said rotatable pin to said heel as applied by said air piston and cylinder.

5. In a feeding mechanism for a shoe heel machine having a jack seat mounted for rotation on a rotatable spindle, a motor for driving said spindle through a clutch, and an air operated shoe heel feeding unit, the improvement of a clutch operating mechanism comprising a clutch finger mounted for pivotal movement, a clutch operating arm, an air piston reciprocally movable in an air cylinder, a plunger attached to said piston and movable against said arm, a spring for biasing said arm against said plunger, a cam controlled air valve for supplying air to said cylinder, a master cam on said spindle for operating said air valve, an air powered ratchet mechanism for turning said master cam on said spindle to effect an air piston contained for reciprocating movement in an air cylinder for moving said jaws on a base supporting the same to deliver a heel to' said seat, and a pair of springs connected to said.

10 base for applying'a force thereto opposed to that of said air piston for moving said base and said jaws away from said seat.

7. In a feeding mechanism for a shoe heel machine having a jack mounted for rotation on a rotatable spindle and a motor'for driving said spindle through a clutch, the combination comprising a jack operating device, a clutch operating mechanism, an automatic ejector for removing a heel released from said jack, a reciprocating heel clamp for moving a" heel from a supply source into said jack, first and second'ca'm operated control devices for controlling the operation of said jack operating device and said clutch operating m echanism, a master cam mounted on said spindle to be turned thereby and to be turned thereabout'for operating said first and second control devices, a power operated ratchet mechanism for turning said master cam on said spindle, a third c'on'trol'dev'ice for operating said automatic ejector, a cam mounted on said spindle independently of said master cam for operating said third control device, a fourth control device operated by said reciprocatingheel clamp for controlling the operation of said ratchet mechanism, and a fifth control device operated by said clutch operating mechanism for controlling the operation of said reciprocating heel clamp. V I Y k V 8. In a feeding mechanism for a shoe heel machine having a rotatable jack mounted for rotation on a spindle driven by a power source through a clutch, a jack operating device, a clutch operating mechanism and a reciprocating heel clamp adapted to move a heel from a source of supply onto said jack, the combination comprising a master cam mounted on said jack spin dle to be turned thereon and for restricted movement' thereabout, first and second control devices operated by said master cam and respectively adapted to control'the operation 'of said jack operating device and said clutch operating mechanism, a power operated ratchet for turning said master'cam on said jack spindle, and a third control device operated by said reciprocating heel clamp for controllingthe operation "of said ratchet to turn said 'master cam on said spindle and initiate movement of said clutch operating mechanism and said jack operating device, whereby said jack and said jack spindle are placed in rotation through the engagement 'of said clutch after a period of rest during which a heel isclamped in said jack. 4 7

9. I n a shoe heel machine having a jack in cluding a jack seat, the combination comprising .a pin for engaging the end of a heel, an arm mounting said pin arranged formovement relative to said jack seat, a pivotal link for moving said arm relative to said seat, a power device connected to one end of said link, and, means for adjustingthe relative position of said arm, said link and said power devicewith respect to said jack seat whereby said jack may be accommodated to receive heels of different heights without afifecting the magnitude of the clamping pressure transmitted to said heel by said power device. r

10. In a feeding mechanism for a shoe heel machine having a jack seat mounted for rota tion on a rotatable spindle, a motor for driving the spindle through a clutch and a reciprocating heel clamp adapted to move a heel from a source of supply onto said jack seat, the improvement of a clutch operating mechanism comprising a clutch finger mounted for pivotal movement, a,

l1 clutch operating armya-power operated plunger movable against said: arm, a spring for biasing said arm against said plunger, a camloperated control device a for: controlling. the movement of said, plunger, amaster cam mounted on said spindle-torturn thereabout and-operate said cam op- A erated'control device, a power operated ratchet for turningsaid master cam on said spindle, and acontrol device operated-by said reciprocating heeLclamp for: control-ling the operation of said power operated ratchet.

11. Ina feedingmechanism for a shoe heel machine having a rotatable jack' mounted for rotation on aspindle-turnedfrom a power source througha clutchunder the control'of a clutch operating mechanism, the'fcombination comprisingga -clamp arranged-to select a single heel from a source of supply and clamp-the same therein, first and second-power devices. formoving'said clamptoward said jack for delivering a heel thereto and away from-saidjaek, anda control device operated by said :clutch operating mechanism for controlling the operation of said first power device.

12..In a feeding mechanism for ashoe heel machine having a jack mounted forrrotationona spindle, the improvement-ofaaheel ejector 'adapt ed. to a clear said jack and? condition the same to receive a heel blank comprising an air nozzle located in proximity with 1 said 2 ,i ack, an airvalve for controlling a flow of'compressed airto said nozzle, and a cam mounted onsaid spindle adapted to open said-valve and cause-a blast of air to issue from said nozzle'against: a heelra-fter the-same has been released from said; .iack;

13-. In a feedingmechanism'for a shoe. heel machine having-a jack, includinga jack seat and a jack. clamp, the combination of a reciprocating heel clamp adapted to move a heelfrom a source of supply onto saidjack;seat, a: power device for moving said 'jack clamp relative to'said -j aclc seat, an automatic heel ejector associated with said jaekand separate-control devices for said reciprocating heels clamp, said power device and said automatie heelrejector operated in' timed-sequencewherebyaheel is=placed onsaid heel seat is first clamped thereon, next released" and then ejected therefronnby: said automatic-ejector.

l4; In-a feedingrmechanism eforra shoe heel machine having a-jack mounted: for rotation on a spindle-- driven through a clutch: controlledv by. a clutch operating; mechanism adapted to start and stop rotation of said spindle; the combination comprising areciprocatingheel'feeder clamp operable to selectwamheelfrom a source of supply and deliver the same to said-jack,andla control devicefor said reciprocating heel-feeder: clamp operated. by said clutch operating mechanism, whereby said heel feeder. clampds. made. opera.- tive to deliver a=heel=on=to-said. jack whensaid clutch is disengaged 15. Inaheelfeedihg. mechanism for. a shoe heel. machine having. a. power operated jack adaptedtocla-mp and release. fromclamping. a heelthereimthe combination comprising an automatic. ejector; associated-with:saidjack, a first cam operated control device controlling theoperation of said power. operated jack, a. second camoperated.controLdevice ion controlling the operation of said automatic ejector, and, a first andsecond independently movablecam. for operatingsaid .first andsecond controldevices.

16..In. a. feeding mechanism fora. shoe. heel machine. having. a. jack. mounted. for rotation througha clutch controlled by a clutch operating-v mechanism, the combination comprising a cam operated control-device for'controlling the operation of; said clutch operating mechanism, a cam mounted on said spindle to be turned thereby-and-to be turned thereon, and a power device adapted .to turn said cam'on said spindle whereby said control= device is conditioned to initiate movement of said clutch operating mechanism, engage said clutch, and start rotation of said spindle. from a position of rest.

17; In a feeding mechanism for a shoe heel machine-having ajack mounted for rotation on a. spindle driven .through a clutch which is operatecL-by a clutch operating mechanism, a reciprocating heelfeeder adapted to move a heel onto-said jack and acam-operated controldevice for. controlling the operation of said clutch operating mechanism, thecombination comprising. a firstcontroldevice operated by said reciprocating. heel feeder for controlling the operation of said cam operated control device, and asecond'control device operated by said clutch operating. mechanism for controlling the operationof said reciprocating heel feeder.

18.1113, feedingmechanism for-a shoe heel machine havinga power operated jack mounted for rotation on a spindle, a reciprocating heel feeder adaptedtomove, a heelinto'said jack, an automatic ejector associated with said jack and a motor for: rotatingsaid spindle through a clutch whichis engaged and disengaged by a clutch operating mechanism, a control. system for said feeding. mechanism, comprising. a master cam mounted on said spindle to be. turned thereby and tube turnedithereon, afirst. control element and acsecond. control element operated by said master cam to control. respectively. the operation-of said jack and said clutch operating mechanism, a. cam. mounted on said spindle independently ofsaid master cam, athird control element operatedby said .last mentioned cam for controlling the operation of. saidautomatic ejector, a turn ing device for. rotating said master cam on said spindle, a fourth control element operated. by said reciprocating heel-feeder for controlling the operationof saidturningdevice, and a. fifth control element. operated by said. clutch operating mechanismto control the. operationof said reciprocating. heel feeder.

19=.In a. feeding. mechanism for a. shoe heel machine having a.rotatable spindle upon which aheelis jacked for. rotation by a motor, the com-.- bination comprising. a. clutch interposed between said. motor and said spindle, a clutch. operating mechanism adapted to engage anddisengagesaid clutch, a control .device for. controllingthe operation of said clutch.operatingmechanism, acam mounted. on said spindle to be turned thereby and tube turned. thereabout. for. operating said control .device, and a turning. device for rotating said cam. on said spindle when. the latter. is at rest to initiate operation of. saidclutchoperating mechanism and startrotation of. saidspindle.

20. In a. feeding. mechanism for ashoe. heel machine having. a. rotatable jackincluding a heelseat, the combination comprising a prepositioning platform. having a releasable stop, a heel clampconstructed and arrangedto grasp a heel positioned onsaidplatform, and means for reciprocating said clamp whereby the heel grasped, as aforesaid is moved fromthe platform to the heel seat 21,. In. av feeding. mechanism for a. shoe heel onajack spindle whichv latter. elementis driven r5 machinehavinga-rot ta le jack includi sa h seat, the combination comprising a prepositioning platform having a. releasable stop, a heel clamp constructed and arranged to grasp a heel positioned on said platform, means for reciprocating said clamp whereby the heel grasped as aforesaid is moved from the platform to the heel seat, driving mechanisinfor rotating the jack; and a device operated by said mechanism for controlling said reciprocating means.

22. In a feeding mechanism for a shoe heel 10 machine having a rotatable jack including a heel seat, the combination comprising a prepositioning platform having a releasable stop, a heel clamp including a pair of pivoted jaws adapted to grasp a heel positioned on the platform, a spring for closing said jaws, cams for opening said jaws, and means for reciprocating the clamp whereby a heel grasped as aforesaid is moved to the heel seat.

JUSTIN P. QUIRK. LUDWIG G. P. HAFNER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,453,191 Schoen Apr. 24, 1923 1,474,908 Marble Nov. 20, 1923 1,475,794 Casgrain Nov. 27, 1923 1,966,477 Anderson July 17, 1934 2,045,390 Howe June 23, 1936 2,07l,433- Russ Feb. 23, 1937 2,090,024 Bradbury Apr. 17, 1937 

